Australia emits more than twice as much climate pollution per person than the average G20 nation.
With Environment Minister Melissa Price preparing to attend the latest round of UN climate change negotiations, new analysis from international research firm Climate Analytics has found Australia lagging other major countries in improving the climate pollution intensity of its economy and emissions per person.
The Climate Analytics analysis finds:
- Australia emits more than twice as much climate pollution per person than the average G20 nation.
- Between 1990 and 2017 other developed countries, such as Germany, France and the US, improved the pollution intensity of their economies by more than Australia.
- Even if Australia met its inadequate Paris target, it would remain far behind other major developed countries in 2030 on the above measures.
The 10-page fact sheet is the first in a series of four studies by Climate Analytics comparing Australia’s climate performance with similar countries.
“Australia goes to this UN meeting with the dubious honour of being among the top 20 climate polluters per person in the world,” said Australian Conservation Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Kelly O’Shanassy.
“Climate Analytics’ analysis finds Australian climate pollution across its economy is very high by world standards. Since 1990 other developed countries, like Germany, France and the US, have improved the emission intensity of their economy by much more than Australia.
“The latest round of major international climate change negotiations could prove embarrassing for Australia, given we are not on track to meet even our weak target for 2030.
“But embarrassment could be the least of our problems. The Australian Government’s addiction to coal may result in diplomatic and trade implications if Australia refuses to do our fair share to limit global warming.
“Reports that the Morrison Government will freeze its level of funding to the Green Climate Fund, which is needed to help our neighbours in the Pacific build their resilience to climate change, are a concern to all Australians who believe we must do our fair share.
“It’s a matter of international justice that wealthy countries should help poor countries with mitigation, adaptation and economic development.”
A copy of the fact sheet can be downloaded here.
